Natural Hazards

General

There are many things in our environment that can have a negative affect on the performance of ground team members Hot or Cold weather Terrain Poison Plants Insects and Snakes Fatigue

Terrain

The terrain that teams are often working in can impact their performance Cliffs and steep terrain Drainage, flood or swampy areas Rough terrain (boulder fields or areas of loose rocks

or sand)

Allow enough time for your teams to safely traverse hazardous areas

Poison Plants

Cover Exposed SkinDon’t handle plants or vines

unnecessarily“If leaves are three, let this plant beIf exposed, WASH

You Clothing Equipment

Poison Plants Continued

Poison Plants Continued

Snakes & Insects

Be watchful for nests and resting places Look before you leap

Dispose of trash properly to avoid attracting insects or other critters

Carry and use your medication for allergies as necessary

Insects to watch out for

Fire Ant

Insects to watch out for Continued

Honey/Bumble Bee

Insects to watch out for Continued

Wasp

Insects to watch out for Continued

Brown Recluse Spider

Insects to watch out for Continued

Black Widow Spider

Snakes to watch out for

Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin

Snakes to watch out for Continued

Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin

Snakes to watch out for Continued

Canebreak Rattlesnake

Snakes to watch out for Continued

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Snakes to watch out for Continued

Pigmy Rattlesnake

Snakes to watch out for Continued

Copperhead Snake

Snakes to watch out for Continued

Coral Snake

Fatigue

Can cause reduced search effectiveness, lack of concentration, and possibly unnecessary injuries or death

Everyone is susceptibleCan be recognized and prevented

Fatigue Symptoms

Inability to concentrateSlurring words, incomplete sentences and

speech patternsBloodshot eyes and haggard facial expressionInability to walk properlyDrooping eyelidsFalse energy or “slap happiness”

Preventing Fatigue

Taking frequent breaks or catnaps when not on duty

Eating light snacks through the dayChanging seating arrangements in vehicles

regularlyAdequate sleep during crew rest periodsComplete meals and adequate water intake

Preventing Fatigue Continued

Sit, lie down, rest, and sleep whenever possible

Do not engage in unnecessary physical activity when waiting for an assignment

Buddy System - Watch each otherIf members show signs of fatigue take

them off duty until they can be effective You can be replaced

Natural Hazards Tasks

Ground Team Member O-0101: Identify Natural Hazards O-0103: Prevent and Treat Fatigue

QUESTIONS?